The FNCA had a fabulous 2003 session in August that campers called "the best summer ever", "very productive", "a truly wonderful experience", and what the Rev. Dr. George F. Dole pronounced "a healthy and harmonious gathering that ran without a hitch."

Our theme the first week was "Inside Looking Out" — a compelling and informative exploration of how the New Church views other Christian denominations. And our second week's theme was "The Gospels" — an overview of the first four books of the New Testament.

During the middle weekend, we celebrated the Flames 75th Anniversary Reunion. In the late 1920's the young people at camp organized themselves into a group they called The Flames. And old Flames returned in droves, including a few of the orginal founders!

The evening ended with a long-standing Flames tradition, Stunt Night! But instead of a series of humourous skits, songs of all types, and the silly jokes everyone has come to expect, this one was decidedly different. Much to their surprise, each decade of Flames was called in turn to a row of chairs on the stage. And as the microphone was passed from hand to hand, the crowd reared with laughter and clapped with delight as each Flame shared a fond momory from their time as a Flame.

But the wet weather did not dampen our spirits! When the weather was clear, many people went to nearby Conway Lake or the Fryeburg town beach for swimming. To the delight of on-lookers, the Flames spent two evenings slipping and sliding on the front lawn and hill in the pouring rain! The Sparks were happy with several new and different indoor activities. And everybody old and young did their best to maintain camp spirit at a high level.

There was one sad point: the final year for our wonderful camp cooks, Sally and Bill Fernald. Sally has done a fabulous job of feeding the Assembly for 24 years! And Bill has been with her most of that time. And it was a very teary-eyed version of "We're Sorry You're Going Away" that was sung in a big group hug at their last meal!

All in all, the FNCA is an unforgettable and uplifting experience. As seminary student Doug Moss put it, "When I first arrived, I felt like I was crashing a family reunion; but by the end of the second day, you had all made me feel like one of the family. I love it!"